At the beginning of this worldwide crisis there were hopes that it would be a common enemy to unite people. Instead it has become another cause for division, even and sometimes especially between Christians.

One way to cultivate understanding is to ask someone what story from their life has led them to their chosen path.

Lacy Borgo’s story includes being married to an emergency room physician. Having this ongoing up-close perspective on the pandemic has led to hard choices — choices that sometimes differ from their neighbors and at times even cause friction in her own household. She writes:

“While we are living more closely than ever and have spent more time together, peace and harmony haven’t been easy to find. From tiny offenses like the never-ending dishwashing cycle to deep fractures like who am I to follow when the adults in my community are not on the same page.”

In a new essay, Lacy reommends two practices for ​“holding center,” a Quaker phrase for remaining steady in Christ even when storms rage all around. She talked this week with Nathan Foster about this idea on the Renovaré Podcast.

Next Friday is Christmas Day. In typing that sentence I’m reminded to take a breath and re-center on Jesus, the one who chose to be born in the least likely of places, smack in the middle of a chaotic world.

There will be no Weekly Digest next week. From all of us on the Renovaré staff and Ministry Team, may this Christmas be a time of unexpected blessing and surprising joy.